The Federal Government of Nigeria has lauded Nigerians in the United States for their dedication to national growth and development, promising an enhanced partnership. This commendation came during a virtual meeting organized by NiDCOM and the Nigeria Centre Washington, featuring high-ranking officials including the Chief of Staff and the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
President Donald Trump addressed the nation on December 17, 2025, from the White House, detailing his administration's achievements and agenda for 2026. The speech focused heavily on the economy, immigration, and healthcare, while also announcing a 'Warrior Dividend' for military members. The address came as Trump sought to boost his popularity ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
President Trump delivered a national address from the White House on December 17, 2025, discussing the US economy, defending his tariff policies, and announcing $1,776 'warrior dividends' for approximately 1.45 million military service members, funded by tariff revenue.
Mexico is strategically responding to persistent US steel tariffs, challenging protectionist policies and implementing its own tariff package on imports from non-FTA countries. This multi-layered approach aims to protect domestic industries, ensure fair competition, and influence North American trade relations, particularly ahead of the 2026 USMCA review.
President Donald Trump ordered a 'total and complete blockade' on all sanctioned oil tankers entering or departing Venezuela on Tuesday, December 16, 2025. The move escalates pressure on President Nicolás Maduro's administration, citing drug trafficking and other crimes, and follows a recent US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. Venezuela condemned the action as a violation of international law.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth briefed Congress on Tuesday regarding the escalating U.S. military force and deadly boat strikes near Venezuela. The closed-door sessions addressed congressional concerns over a September 2 strike that killed two survivors and the broader U.S. military buildup in the region, which has included numerous lethal boat strikes and the recent seizure of an oil tanker.
A Russian delegation, led by Sherpa Svetlana Lukash, has arrived in Washington D.C. for the first G20 Sherpa meeting under the US presidency, held on December 15-16, 2025. This marks a significant development, signaling a potential shift in Russia's diplomatic standing and an end to a period of isolation within the forum.
A Russian delegation, led by Sherpa Svetlana Lukash, attended the first G20 Sherpa meeting in Washington on December 15-16, 2025, under the new US presidency. This engagement signals a potential shift in Russia's diplomatic isolation within the forum, focusing on economic and geopolitical discussions.
President Donald Trump has appointed Thomas Emanuel Dans to lead the United States Arctic Research Commission (USARC), an independent federal agency advising on Arctic research. Dans, a finance and policy expert, previously served as a Commissioner and at the U.S. Treasury.
Germany's far-right AfD party announced plans to host a congress in Berlin in February, inviting US State Department officials, members of Congress, and Republican-linked groups. The move aims to deepen connections with the US Republican Party, particularly the 'Make America Great Again' movement, amidst ongoing efforts to build international legitimacy.
Cuba has vehemently condemned the US seizure of the oil tanker 'Skipper' off Venezuela's coast, labeling it an 'act of piracy and maritime terrorism.' The vessel, carrying nearly 2 million barrels of Venezuelan crude destined for Cuba, was intercepted by US forces on December 10, 2025. Havana warns the action jeopardizes its critical oil supply and exacerbates its economic crisis.
The United States has announced the lifting of sanctions on Belarusian potash, a move confirmed by U.S. Special Envoy John Coale on December 13, 2025. This decision follows the release of 123 political prisoners by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Ales Bialiatski, signaling a potential thaw in relations between Washington and Minsk.
A recent US congressional hearing highlighted a significant erosion of political trust between India and the United States, primarily due to contentious tariff policies and new H-1B visa restrictions. Lawmakers and experts expressed concern that these issues are jeopardizing a crucial strategic partnership, particularly in the context of countering China.
The U.S. has officially launched the 'Trump Gold Card' visa program, offering expedited residency for a US$1 million contribution from individuals or US$2 million from companies sponsoring workers. This initiative aims to attract wealthy foreign nationals and generate revenue, replacing aspects of the traditional EB-5 visa.
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the annual defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021, authorizing approximately $740 billion for defense spending. The legislation included provisions for troop pay raises and weapons modernization, but faced strong opposition and a veto threat from the Trump administration over unrelated policy matters.
Kirsten Hillman, Canada's ambassador to the United States, has announced her resignation, effective in the new year. Her departure comes as Canada prepares for the critical 2026 review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade pact she played a significant role in negotiating.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana have initiated a global campaign to nominate former President Donald Trump for the 2026 Nobel Peace Prize, citing his diplomatic achievements including the Abraham Accords and a Gaza peace plan.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has asserted that Europe remains 'strong' and 'united' behind Ukraine, directly countering recent criticisms from former U.S. President Donald Trump. Starmer's remarks, made in Parliament, emphasized European solidarity on democratic values, following Trump's characterization of Europe as 'weak' and 'decaying'.
Acting US Ambassador Kevin Kim met with South Korean Foreign Ministry official Jeong Yeon-doo on December 10, 2025, to discuss North Korea policy. The meeting underscored the allies' 'very close' cooperation and coordination on denuclearization efforts and regional stability.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has indicated a readiness to hold elections during wartime, provided the United States and its European partners can ensure security and legislative changes are enacted. This stance marks a shift from previous positions, amidst ongoing martial law and external pressure.
